My Name Is Not Friday

Samuel and his younger brother, Joshua, are free black boys living in an orphanage during the Civil War, but when Samuel takes the blame for his brother's prank, he is sent South, given a new name, and sold into slavery--and somehow he must survive both captivity and the war, to find his way back to his brother.

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Excellent book. It portrays the evils of slavery but so much more. Samuel is a free black, an orphan, and older brother, and an intelligent young man determined to make the most of his life. This book is appropriate for reluctant readers, although long it is easy to read. The audio version was extremely well done. It is true to the times so a few words might seem offensive.

After being stripped away from his orphanage and brother, Samuel is thrown into slavery with a new name – Friday. Samuel has to endure the hardships of slavery in the Deep South and protect himself from the fall of the Civil War. With his education and faith, Samuel is determined to escape and find his brother.

My Name is Not Friday is an incredible book that brings a revolutionary time period in the United States into focus for teen readers. The characters are well-developed and setting well-researched. A great read for anyone wanting to learn about the uneasiness of the Civil War and slavery.